ROME TOWNSHIP – Heavy rains were no obstacle for the old cars that came rumbling and sliding into the grandstand arena as their drivers were looking to demolish anything that got in the way of the grand prize.

Tuesday, July 11, 2000

ROME TOWNSHIP – Heavy rains were no obstacle for the old cars that came rumbling and sliding into the grandstand arena as their drivers were looking to demolish anything that got in the way of the grand prize.

The Lawrence County Fair’s demolition derby kicked off yesterday evening despite the 2-plus inches of rain that created muddy conditions for crashing cars and their drivers – yet it was the moment they’d all been waiting for.

"I love the demolition derby," Proctorville demolition car driver Sam Locey, said. "I mean, this is the only place you can legally total someone’s car and not worry about getting sued."

Locey, a 10-year participant in the derby, said that while the thrill of winning is intense, the chances of taking home a trophy are not as good as it may seem.

"Many people have come to know me as Slammin’ Sammy over the years and in the 10 years I’ve been doing this, I’ve taken home a trophy only once – and that was in 1995," he said. "It’s hard to get that trophy. When I compete, I couldn’t care less about the money, I just want the trophy and that’s only happened once."

Grand prize winners usually take home a trophy and roughly $1,000 in cash, he said.

Following in his footsteps, Rebecca Locey says being the only female in her family has inspired an interest for herself to become involved in the derbies.

"My husband has been doing this for quite a few years now and he has sparked an interest with our three boys," Mrs. Locey said. "After our boys got involved, I decided that being the only female in the house, I’d better join the crowd and do what they’re doing. This is my fourth year of driving in the derbies and I love it."

Although many of the derby’s drivers are veterans of the sport, other drivers were getting their start in the event for the first time.

"This is my first year of ever doing this," John C. Townsend said. "My uncle was involved several years ago and I thought I might try it."

The 16-year-old Kitts Hill driver said that he was looking to have fun as well as tearing his car up.

"I just want to get out there and have some fun," Townsend said. "The money would be real nice but I’m not really worried about that my first year."

South Point resident Jeremy Leffingwell said he loves adventure and competing in the derby was his chance to say "been there, done that."

"This is my first year in the derby," Leffingwell said. "I’m doing it for the fun and I can at least say I’ve done it once. It was a lot of hard work preparing the car, but at least I can go out having some fun."